Spring Bulbs: Planting After Bloom and Storage Tips

Have leftover spring bulbs and wondering if they can be planted later? This article will explore the viability of these bulbs over time and provide expert advice on when and how to plant them, even if it's not the traditional spring planting season.

Spring blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocus are typically planted in early spring, but sometimes circumstances prevent you from planting them at the ideal time. Can these bulbs be planted later, and if so, how long do they stay good? What happens if you plant them in the wrong season?

Spring Bulbs Can Be Planted Late, But Weather Matters

Experience shows that if you plant your bulbs as late as mid-December, they can still come up just fine, provided the weather permits. Itrsquo;s crucial to monitor the weather conditions; if a heavy snowfall blankets the ground, therersquo;s no way to plant them safely. Typically, by November, all dead perennials are cut down, and the bulbs are in the ground.

Protecting Bulbs from Harsh Winter Conditions

If you have extra bulbs after planting, donrsquo;t waste them. You can:

Give them away: Many gardeners are always in need of more plants, and you never know who could benefit from an extra bulb. Store in Pots: You can store bulbs in pots and leave them outside or in an unheated area like a detached garage or shed. Plastic pots are suitable for outdoor storage, but terra cotta pots should be protected from the elements to prevent damage from freezing and thawing.

For more significant quantities, consider the technique of heeling in. This method involves digging a trench, laying the bulbs (usually bare root) in the trench, and backfilling with soil. Similarly, you can dig a single wide hole, place all the bulbs in a layer, and backfill. This temporary measure keeps the bulbs alive and prevents desiccation that can occur if they remain in their packages.

Planting Bulbs Before the Ground Freezes

Regardless of whether you have spring or fall bulbs, it is essential to plant them before the ground freezes solid in your area. Just because the air is freezing doesnrsquo;t mean the ground is frozen. The ground will typically freeze in these order: bare dirt, then mulched areas, and finally lawn areas.

When you dig a planting hole, the soil may still be friable by noon, but by morning, it will have froze. Therefore, once you have dug the hole, plant the bulbs right away to avoid any issues due to frozen ground.

Heeling in for Temporary Storage

The heeling in technique is a useful method when you have too many bulbs to plant all at once due to unforeseen weather conditions. Dig a trench and lay the bulbs in it, then gently backfill the trench with soil. Water the bulbs in thoroughly to ensure the roots are in contact with the soil. This temporary measure allows the bulbs to stay alive over the winter.

After the bulbs have bloomed and the topgrowth has browned, dig the plants up and plant them in their permanent home. Heeling in can be done as late as early fall for many types of bulbs.

Conclusion

Planting spring bulbs can be flexible and adaptable. Whether you have extra bulbs left over or unexpected weather conditions arise, you now have several methods to ensure your bulbs remain viable and bloom beautifully in the spring. Monitor the weather, protect your bulbs from harsh conditions, and use the heeling in technique as a temporary measure to keep them alive. With these tips, you can maximize the lifespan of your spring bulbs and enjoy a vibrant garden year after year.